Information processing device and program

ABSTRACT

There is provided an information processing device comprising a housing, a display screen, a touch panel arranged on the display screen, an icon, which is displayed on the display screen and manipulated through the touch panel, a state detection unit for detecting a state change of the housing, a state determination unit for determining the state change of the housing detected by the state detection unit, and a display control unit for displaying the icon in a desired position on the display screen in response to a determination result of the state determination unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing device and aprogram.

2. Description of the Related Art

Devices using a touch panel are being spread as a method of improvingoperability in a portable information processing device. For example,the touch panel also functions as an input device by displaying an icon,such as a button, as a user interface on a display screen like a liquidcrystal panel and detecting a contact of a user with the icon. Using thetouch panel, wide display screen and the free button arrangementcorresponding to various functions may be implemented.

As another method of improving the operability in the portableinformation processing device, a physical state change of the device isdetected and used in an input. For example, Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 2001-170358 discloses a technique of detecting a tiltamount, momentum, an impact amount, or the like in a game system andchanging a game space state on the basis of the detected amount.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the size of a portable information processing device using atouch panel has recently been various. For example, in the case of arelatively large-sized device whose housing can be held in one hand likea board-type compact personal computer (PC), there is a problem in thatit is difficult for a user to manipulate a button of an opposite side tothe side of the held housing on a display screen with one hand holdingthe housing.

In light of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a novel andimproved information processing device capable of displaying an optimaluser interface on a touch panel in response to a direction in which auser holds a housing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan information processing device including a housing, a display screen,a touch panel arranged on the display screen, an icon, which isdisplayed on the display screen and manipulated through the touch panel,a state detection unit for detecting a state change of the housing, astate determination unit for determining the state change of the housingdetected by the state detection unit, and a display control unit fordisplaying the icon in a desired position on the display screen inresponse to a determination result of the state determination unit.

By this configuration, it is possible to automatically display anoptimal user interface on a touch panel in response to a state in whicha user uses the information processing device.

The determination result may be a direction in which a user holds thehousing. The display control unit may display the icon within an areaalong a side of the holding direction of the display screen.

The state detection unit may be used to detect contact of a user with apredetermined portion of the housing as the state change.

The state detection unit can be an electrostatic sensor or a proximitysensor.

The state detection unit may be used to detect an impact applied to thehousing by a user as the state change.

The state detection unit may be used to detect a change of a tiltapplied to the housing by a user as the state change.

The state detection unit can be an acceleration sensor.

The display control unit may display the icon in the desired position bymoving the manipulating image on the display screen in response to thestate change.

The display control unit may display the icon in the desired position byfurther moving the icon on the display screen in response tomanipulation through the touch panel.

The display control unit may display the icon in the desired position bycausing the manipulating image to appear or be hidden on the displayscreen in response to the state change.

When the state change is not detected for a predetermined time, thedisplay control unit may cause the icon to be hidden.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a program for causing a computer of an information processingdevice, including a housing, a display screen, a touch panel arranged onthe display screen, an icon, which is displayed on the display screenand manipulated through the touch panel, and a state detection unit fordetecting a state change of the housing, to execute the processes ofdetermining the state change of the housing detected by the statedetection unit; and displaying the icon in a desired position on thedisplay screen in response to a determination result of the determiningprocess.

According to the embodiments of the present invention described above,it is possible to display an optimal user interface on a touch panel inresponse to a direction in which a user holds a housing in aninformation processing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of aninformation processing device according to embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the information processing device accordingto embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing according to afirst embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing according to athird embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 8A is an illustrative diagram for a tilt handled in the sameembodiment.

FIG. 8B is an illustrative diagram for a tilt handled in the sameembodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing according to afourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 10C is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 10D is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 10E is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

FIG. 10F is a diagram showing an example of a state during processingaccording to the same embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the appended drawings. Note that,in this specification and the appended drawings, structural elementsthat have substantially the same function and structure are denoted withthe same reference numerals, and repeated explanation of thesestructural elements is omitted.

Description is given in the following order.

1. Outline of a device according to embodiments of the present invention

2. Details of embodiments of the present invention

2-1. First embodiment (an example of an information processing device,which detects contact)

2-2. Second embodiment (an example of an information processing device,which detects an impact)

2-3. Third embodiment (an example of an information processing device,which detects a tilt)

2-4. Fourth embodiment (a modified example of an information processingdevice, which detects a tilt)

3. Supplement

1. Outline of a Device According to Embodiments of the Present Invention

As shown in FIG. 1, for example, an information processing device 100according to the embodiments is a board-type compact PC, an electronicbook reader, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, or thelike. In general, the information processing device 100 is held andmanipulated by one hand, and has, for example, various functions such asa Web browser, content reproduction, and the like.

The information processing device 100 has a liquid crystal display (LCD)103 as a display screen on a housing 101. A touch panel 105 is arrangedon the LCD 103 and buttons 107 are displayed as icons, which aremanipulated through the touch panel 105. For example, if the informationprocessing device 100 functions as the Web browser, the buttons 107 arebuttons of Backward, Forward, Reload, and the like. The icons may alsobe a scroll bar, a scroll area, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, for example, the information processing device 100includes electrostatic sensors 109, an acceleration sensor 111, a memory113, and a central processing unit (CPU) 120 as components havingfunctions according to the embodiments. Any one of the electrostaticsensors 109 and the acceleration sensor 111 may be provided.

Additionally, the information processing device 100 appropriatelyincludes a communication device connected to a network, a device thatperforms reading and writing on a removable storage medium, an audiooutput device, and the like.

The CPU 120 implements functions of a state determination unit 121 and adisplay control unit 123 by executing a program stored in the memory113. At this time, the CPU 120 executes various types of processing onthe basis of information or signals input from the electrostatic sensors109, the acceleration sensor 111, or the touch panel 105 if necessary.The CPU 120 outputs a processing result to the LCD 103 if necessary.

The electrostatic sensors 109 are arranged on the surface of the housing101 as a state detection unit, which reacts to contact of a user. Inthis case, a plurality of electrostatic sensors 109 may be arranged todetect contact in different directions. The CPU 120 receives an input ofthe presence/absence of the reaction of the electrostatic sensor 109.

The acceleration sensor 111 is provided within the housing 101 as astate detection unit, which measures the acceleration of the housing101. The CPU 120 receives the direction and magnitude of theacceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111 as inputs, anddetects a tilt of the housing 101 and an impact applied to the housing101.

The memory 113 is a storage device such as a read only memory (ROM), arandom access memory (RAM), or the like. A program, which is stored inthe memory 113 and executed by the CPU 120, may be written uponmanufacture of the information processing device 100 or may be acquiredthrough the above-described communication device or removable storagemedium and temporarily stored.

2. Details of Embodiments of the Present Invention 2-1. First EmbodimentAn Example of an Information Processing Device, which Detects Contact

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing to be performedby the information processing device 100 according to the firstembodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the first embodimentof the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 3 andFIGS. 4A to 4C showing states of the information processing device 100in processes.

In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes theelectrostatic sensors 109 provided on the surface of the housing 101.The electrostatic sensors 109 are arranged on both left and right sides.It is preferable that the electrostatic sensors 109 be provided onarbitrary portions, which are assumed to have contact when the userperforms holding, depending on a function of the information processingdevice 100.

FIG. 4A illustrates a state in which the housing 101 is held by the lefthand of the user. At this time, the electrostatic sensor 109 provided onthe left side of the housing reacts.

In this case, the state determination unit 121 first determines whetheror not there is the reaction of the electrostatic sensor 109 (stepS101). Next, the state determination unit 121 determines whether or notthe reacted electrostatic sensor 109 is on the left side (step S103).

If the reacted electrostatic sensor 109 is on the left side, the displaycontrol unit 123 moves the buttons 107 to the left side on the LCD 103,and displays the buttons 107 in a desired position, that is, within anarea along the left side (step S105). The buttons 107 may move with asliding visual effect or may instantly move. In the case where thebuttons 107 is not displayed at this time, the buttons 107 may appear inthe desired position.

As a result, the buttons 107 are displayed in a range in whichmanipulation can be performed by a finger of the left hand in a state inwhich the user holds the housing 101 by the left hand, so that the usercan manipulate the buttons 107 without feeling the stress that thefinger does not reach the button.

FIG. 4B illustrates a state in which the housing 101 is held by theright hand of the user. In this case, since there is the reaction of theelectrostatic sensor 109 (step S101) and the reacted electrostaticsensor 109 is not on the left side (step S103), the display control unit123 moves the buttons 107 to the right side on the LCD 103 (step S107).A movement method or a display position as a movement result is the sameas that when movement to the left side is made.

FIG. 4C illustrates a state in which the housing 101 is not held by theuser. At this time, the electrostatic sensors 109 of both the left andright end surfaces do not react. The state determination unit 121determines whether or not the reaction of the electrostatic sensor 109is stopped (step S109). If the reaction of the electrostatic sensor 109is stopped, the display control unit 123 moves the buttons 107 to thebottom side of the LCD 130 (step S111).

In a state in which the housing 101 is not held by the user, it is notnecessary to move the button 107 in the same way as in theabove-described example. A position in the holding state of the userjust before the housing 101 is not held by the user may remain. Forexample, if wallpaper display or the like is made on the screen, thewallpaper display may temporarily be hidden not to cause an obstruction.

2-2. Second Embodiment An Example of an Information Processing Device,which Detects an Impact

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing states in processes of theinformation processing device 100 according to the second embodiment ofthe present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the presentinvention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes theacceleration sensor 111 inside the housing 101. From a change inacceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111, the statedetermination unit 121 determines whether or not the impact is appliedto the housing 101 by the user, and determines whether the impact isthat from the left or right side if the impact is applied.

FIG. 5A illustrates a state in which the impact from the left side ofthe housing 101 is applied by the user. In this case, as shown in FIG.5B, the display control unit 123 moves the buttons 107 into an areaalong a desired position, that is, the left side, on the LCD 103, anddisplays the moved buttons 107. The buttons 107 may move with a slidingvisual effect or may instantly move. In the case where the buttons 107is not displayed at this time, the buttons 107 may appear in the desiredposition.

If the impact from the right side of the housing 101 is applied by theuser, the display control unit 123 moves the buttons 107 to the rightside on the LCD 103 as in the case where the impact from the left sideis applied.

2-3. Third Embodiment An Example of an Information Processing Device,which Detects a Tilt

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing to be performedby the information processing device 100 according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the third embodimentof the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6,FIGS. 7A to 7C showing states of the information processing device 100in processes, and FIGS. 8A and 8B showing a tilt direction.

In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes theacceleration sensor 111 inside the housing 101. From a change inacceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111, the statedetermination unit 121 determines whether the user tilts the housing 101to its extent, and determines a direction of the tilt if the housing 101is tilted.

FIG. 7A illustrates a state in which the housing 101 is substantiallyhorizontally held by the user. If the magnitude of a tilt of the housing101 is less than a predetermined angle θ, the display control unit 123does not start processing (step S201) and does not move the buttons 107.

FIG. 7B illustrates a state in which the housing 101 is tilted by theuser and the magnitude of the tilt becomes equal to or greater than thepredetermined angle θ.

In this case, the state determination unit 121 first determines whetheror not the magnitude of the tilt of the housing 101 becomes equal to orgreater than the predetermined angle θ (step S201). Next, it isdetermined whether or not the direction of the tilt is left (step S203).

If the tilt of the housing 101 is left, the display control unit 123moves the buttons 107 to the left side on the LCD 103, and displays thebuttons 107 in a desired position, that is, within an area along theleft side (step S205). The buttons 107 may move with a sliding visualeffect or may instantly move. In the case where the buttons 107 is notdisplayed at this time, the buttons 107 may appear in the desiredposition.

If the tilt of the housing 101 is right in the determination of the tiltdirection (step S203), the buttons 107 move to the right side (stepS207). A movement method or a display position as a movement result isthe same as that when the movement to the left side is made.

Once the user tilts the housing 101 to a reverse side to the movementdirection at a predetermined angle or more after the buttons 107 move tothe left or right side (step S209), the display control unit 123 movesthe buttons 107 to the reverse side (step S211).

By providing these steps, for example, even when the housing 101 isinstantly tilted to a reverse side to a holding side intended by theuser in a process in which the user holds the housing 101 by the hand,the buttons 107 can be displayed in the original desired position if thehousing 101 is tilted to the holding side thereafter.

FIG. 7C illustrates a state in which the housing 101 returns to asubstantially horizontal posture by the user. In this case, the buttons107 stay within an area along the left side of the LCD 103. Thus, theuser can manipulate the information processing device 100 byhorizontally returning and holding the housing 101 after the buttons 107move once.

The determination of an impact is made in a state in which theabove-described movement of the buttons 107 is terminated. If the userapplies the impact to the housing 101 (step S213), the buttons may behidden (step S217). Additionally, if a predetermined time has elapsedafter the housing 101 returns to the horizontal posture (step S215), thebuttons may be hidden (step S217).

By providing these steps, for example, if the user views a Web page orreproduces video content on the LCD 103, it is possible to maximize anarea where the Web page or the video content is displayed by hiding thebuttons 107 that do not need to be manipulated.

In this embodiment, the state determination unit 121 determines whetheror not there is a tilt corresponding to rotation in a plane (an x-yplane) parallel to a display surface of the housing 101 as shown in FIG.8A, but this may be a tilt corresponding to rotation in a planeorthogonal to the display surface of the housing 101 (serving as an x-zplane or a y-z plane to the above-described x-y plane), for example, asshown in FIG. 8B, depending on an assumed holding direction of thehousing 101.

2-4. Fourth Embodiment A Modified Example of an Information ProcessingDevice, which Detects a Tilt

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the outline of processing to be performedby the information processing device 100 according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the fourth embodimentof the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 andFIGS. 10A to 10F showing states of the information processing device 100in processes.

In this embodiment, the information processing device 100 includes theacceleration sensor 111 inside the housing 101. The state determinationunit 121 determines whether the user applies an impact to the housing101 in addition to the determination of the tilt of the housing 101 asin the above-described third embodiment. However, it is not necessary todetermine whether the impact is on the left or right side differentlyfrom the second embodiment.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 is described as an example in which a tiltdirection of the housing 101 is left, but the same is true even when thetilt direction of the housing 101 is right.

FIG. 10A illustrates a state in which the user substantiallyhorizontally holds the housing 101. The buttons 107 are dispersed andarranged in a predetermined position on the LCD 103 as an initialdisplay state. If the magnitude of the tilt of the housing 101 is lessthan a predetermined angle, the display control unit 123 does not movethe buttons 107 without starting processing (step S301).

FIG. 10B illustrates a state in which the user tilts the housing 101 andthe magnitude of the tilt becomes equal to or greater than apredetermined angle. In this case, the state determination unit 121determines whether the housing 101 is tilted to the left side at thepredetermined angle or more (step S301). If the housing 101 is tilted tothe left side at the predetermined angle or more, the display controlunit 123 displays the buttons 107 by moving the buttons 107 to the leftside on the LCD 103 (step S303).

Here, the buttons 107 move with a sliding visual effect. Since thebuttons 107 move from a state in which the buttons 107 are dispersed andarranged as shown in FIG. 10A, a gap exists between the buttons 107being displayed for a certain time after the movement is started. Atthis time, the user can further change positions of the buttons 107 bymanipulating the touch panel 105.

FIG. 10C illustrates a state in which the user further changes thepositions of the buttons 107 by manipulating the touch panel 105. Ifmanipulation in which the user drags a button 107 displayed on the LCD103 by a finger is input from the touch panel 105, the display controlunit 123 gives displacement corresponding to the drag manipulation tothe button 107 serving as an object of the manipulation by the user, anddisplays the button 107 on the LCD 103 (step S305).

Thus, the buttons 107 can also be moved by the manipulation of the userin addition to the automatic movement by the tilt of the housing 101, sothat the user can not only arrange the buttons 107 in a range where theuser can simply perform manipulation by a holding finger, but can alsodesignate an arrangement order of the buttons 107 to a desiredarrangement of the user. Furthermore, it is possible to implement abutton arrangement in which the user can easily perform manipulation.

FIG. 10D illustrates a state in which the buttons 107 are displayedusing a left side of the LCD 103 as a left end in a state in which thereis no gap on the left and right as a result in which the buttons 107move to the left side. In a state in which there is no gap on the leftand right of the buttons 107 in the display of the LCD 103 (step S307),the display control unit 123 displays the buttons 107 by moving thebuttons 107 to the bottom side (step S309).

Here, the buttons 107 move with a sliding visual effect. Even in a stateas shown in FIG. 10D, there is a gap above and below the buttons 107. Atthis time, the user can further change the positions of the buttons 107by manipulating the touch panel 105 like when the buttons 107 move tothe left side (step S311).

FIG. 10E illustrates a state in which the buttons 107 are arranged usinga bottom side of the LCD 103 as a bottom end in a state in which thereis no gap above and below as a result in which the buttons 107 move tothe bottom side. If a state in which there is no gap above and below thebuttons 107 is reached in the display of the LCD 103 (step S313), thedisplay control unit 123 fixes positions of the buttons 107 on the LCD103 (step S315).

Once the movement of the buttons 107 is terminated by theabove-described processing, the user can manipulate the informationprocessing device 100 by the buttons 107 arranged in a desired position.

However, when the user changes a position of the buttons 107 by thetouch panel 105 in the above-described processing, the position of thearranged buttons 107 may be different from a desired position.

FIG. 10F illustrates a state in which the user applies an impact to thehousing 101 in the case as described above. The state determination unit121 determines whether or not there is the impact from a change inacceleration measured by the acceleration sensor 111 (step S317). Ifthere is the impact, the display control unit 123 displays the buttons107 in a state in which the buttons 107 are dispersed and arranged again(step S319).

From this, the user can re-perform an arrangement any number of timesuntil the user completes a desired arrangement of the buttons 107 byre-performing the manipulation of tilting the housing 101 (step S301).

3. Supplement

It should be understood by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications, combinations, sub-combinations and alterations may occurdepending on design requirements and other factors insofar as they arewithin the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

For example, the information processing devices that detect contact, animpact, and a tilt have been described by separate embodiments in theabove-described embodiments, but the present invention is not limited tothis example. For example, the contact may be detected, combined, andused along with the impact, the impact and the tilt, or the tilt and thecontact, or the contact may be detected, combined, and used along withthe impact and the tilt. They may be switched and used by settings ofsoftware.

The electrostatic sensor detects the contact of the user in theabove-described embodiment, but the present invention is not limited tothis example. For example, detection may be performed by a sensor otherthan the electrostatic sensor or detection may be performed by a side ofthe touch panel.

The acceleration sensor detects the tilt and the impact of the housingin the above-described embodiment, but the present invention is notlimited to this example. For example, the structure of the accelerationsensor may be simplified by detecting the impact by a contact switch.

The information processing devices according to all the embodiments ofthe present invention have been described in the above-describedembodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.For example, a program for executing various types of processingdescribed in the above-described embodiments may be provided to aninformation processing device having the acceleration sensor or the likethrough a communication line, a removable storage medium, or the like.

The present invention contains subject matter related to Japanese PatentApplication JP 2010-003086 filed in the Japanese Patent Office on Jan.8, 2010, the entire contents of which being incorporated herein byreference.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing device comprising: ahousing; a display; a touch panel arranged on the display; andprocessing circuitry that controls the display to display an icon;detects an action of a user based on output signals of a plurality ofdetectors arranged on a surface of the housing; determines a state ofthe housing based on the action of the user; when the state of thehousing is determined to be in contact with the user, controls thedisplay to display the icon as sliding to a position that is closer to adetector of the plurality of detectors that detects the action of theuser than to any other detector of the plurality of detectors, withoutrotating the icon with respect to the display, and then controls thedisplay to display the icon at the position; and when the state of thehousing is determined to be not in contact with the user, controls thedisplay to display the icon as sliding to a bottom side of display,without rotating the icon with respect to the display, and then controlsthe display to display the icon at the bottom side of the display. 2.The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein when thestate of the housing is determined to be in contact with the user, theprocessing circuitry further determines a direction in which the userholds the housing, and the position is along a side of the housing inwhich the user holds the housing.
 3. The information processing deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of detectors detectscontact of the user with a predetermined portion of the housing.
 4. Theinformation processing device according to claim 3, wherein each of theplurality of detectors is an electrostatic sensor or a proximity sensor.5. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein eachof the plurality of detectors detects an impact applied to the housingby the user.
 6. The information processing device according to claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of detectors further detects a change of atilt applied to the housing by the user as the state change.
 7. Theinformation processing device according to claim 6, wherein theplurality of detectors includes an acceleration sensor.
 8. Theinformation processing device according to claim 1, wherein theprocessing circuitry controls the display to display the icon at adesired position by moving an image displayed on the display when thestate of the housing is determined to be in contact with the user. 9.The information processing device according to claim 8, wherein theprocessing circuitry controls the display to display the icon at thedesired position by sliding the icon on the display in response tomanipulation through the touch panel.
 10. The information processingdevice according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuitry controlsthe display to display the icon at a desired position by manipulating animage displayed on the display to appear or to be hidden on the displaywhen the state of the housing is determined to be in contact with theuser.
 11. A non-transitory computer readable medium encoded with aprogram for causing an information processing device that includes ahousing, a display, a touch panel arranged on the display, andprocessing circuitry, to execute a method comprising: detecting anaction of a user based on output signals of a plurality of detectorsarranged on a surface of the housing; determining a state of the housingbased on the action of the user; when the state of the housing isdetermined to be in contact with the user, controlling the display todisplay the icon as sliding to a position that is closer to a detectorof the plurality of detectors that detects the action of the user thanto any other detector of the plurality of detectors, without rotatingthe icon with respect to the display, and then controlling the displayto display the icon at the position; and when the state of the housingis determined to be not in contact with the user, controlling thedisplay to display the icon as sliding to a bottom side of display,without rotating the icon with respect to the display, and thencontrolling the display to display the icon at the bottom side of thedisplay.
 12. An information processing device comprising: a housing; adisplay; a touch panel arranged on the display; and processing circuitrythat controls the display to display a plurality of icons; detects anaction of a user; determines a state of the housing based on the actionof the user; when the state of the housing is determined to be incontact with the user, controls the display to display the icons slidingon the display with respect to each other only in a direction toward aposition on the housing in contact with the user, and not rotated withrespect to the display screen; and when the state of the housing isdetermined to be not in contact with the user, controls the display todisplay the icons as sliding to a bottom side of display, withoutrotating the icon with respect to the display.
 13. The informationprocessing device according to claim 12, wherein when the state of thehousing is determined to be in contact with the user, the processingcircuitry further determines a direction in which the user holds thehousing, and the position is along a side of the housing in which theuser holds the housing.
 14. The information processing device accordingto claim 12, wherein the processing circuitry further detects contact ofthe user with a predetermined portion of the housing.
 15. Theinformation processing device according to claim 14, wherein theprocessing circuitry detects the contact of the user according to anoutput of an electrostatic sensor or a proximity sensor.
 16. Theinformation processing device according to claim 12, wherein theprocessing circuitry further detects an impact applied to the housing bythe user.
 17. The information processing device according to claim 12,wherein the processing circuitry further detects a change of a tiltapplied to the housing by the user.
 18. The information processingdevice according to claim 17, wherein the processing circuitry includesan acceleration sensor.
 19. The information processing device accordingto claim 12, wherein the processing circuitry controls the display todisplay the icons in the desired positions by moving an image on thedisplay when the state of the housing is determined to be in contactwith the user.
 20. The information processing device according to claim19, wherein the processing circuitry controls the display to display theicons at desired positions by further moving the icons on the display inresponse to manipulation through the touch panel.
 21. The informationprocessing device according to claim 12, wherein the processingcircuitry controls the display to display the icons at desired positionby manipulating an image to appear or to be hidden on the display whenthe state of the housing is determined to be in contact with the user.22. The information processing device according to claim 12, wherein theprocessing circuitry controls the display to slide the icons withrespect to each other only in a horizontal direction of the display.